Before the TR-808 and TR-909 changed hip-hop and dance, the CR-78 changed pop. Here's the story of the last Roland organ-top rhythm machine.
EXPLORE HISTORY
At the heart of the classic is its use of the TR-909. The drum machine's crisp attack evokes the heady world of NYC and its fashionistas.
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, listen to these ten essential songs from the sound’s golden era, the 1990s.
Here's a place to start exploring the massive catalog of Madlib, one of the finest producers to ever touch a beat pad.
Museum, artist incubator, distro, and record store—Submerge and Underground Resistance represents the interconnected Detroit music community.
Careers in Music: Jeff Rona on Composing for Film, TV, and Video Games
Ari Rosenschein
The legendary composer reflects on lessons he’s learned in scoring, seminal moments in musical technology, and what makes a powerful cinematic theme.
A Few Minutes with Youngr
Carolyn Shlensky
Youngr has amassed a worldwide audience with his viral one-take video performances. The multi-instrumentalist discusses family ties, his new album, and essential Roland gear.
A Few Minutes with Jane Weaver
Ari Rosenschein
Jane Weaver’s latest album is a self-contained universe. The artist discusses shaking up her studio process, cinema, and the groove.
A Few Minutes with Dani B of RAYE
Kirsten Spruch
The prolific player shares her thoughts on touring with RAYE, finding success in the music industry, and her Roland gear.
Ten Female Producers Who March to the Beat of Their Own Drum
SIRMA
These inspiring female producers have left their marks on the music industry and continue to carve space for newcomers.
A Few Minutes with Night Tapes
Danny Turner
The brainchild of housemates recording late-night jams onto cassette, Night Tapes explains the process behind their atmospheric dream pop.
A Few Minutes with Junior Simba
Danny Turner
From Africa to the United Kingdom, eclectic dance star Junior Simba shares his passion for infusing ethnic sounds into his songcraft.
Careers in Music: Sarah Tudzin on Producing
Danny Turner
Sarah Tudzin, songwriter and vocalist for illuminati hotties, guides us through her rapidly ascending career as a producer and mix engineer.
On the Move: Dolly Spectra and Gestural Performance Technology
Carolyn Shlensky
Musical mad scientist Dolly Spectra discusses using her body as a MIDI controller in performance, community, and the future of electronic pop.
A Few Minutes with Maya Shenfeld
Ari Rosenschein
The composer uses everything from a youth choir to the MC-202 to bridge the gap between electronic and organic, ancient and futuristic.
EXPLORE TECH AND TREND
If music has no boundaries, why does its genesis usually occur within four walls? Biomusic is rooted in non-human sounds.
Run a search for “Octapad” or “Octapadist,” and you'll find a vast musical community. Learn how the instrument became a household word.
The When We Were Young music festival is a niche celebration where emo fans reunite to soak in nostalgia and fuel the resurgence of pop-punk’s popularity today.
Welcome to the world that’s grown around SP-404 custom skins and beyond. Get lost in the art and hear from the creators in their own words.
The unique paths to success of these eight composers offer valuable strategies for newcomers and veterans alike.